How to Pay For a Private ADHD Assessment
ADHD is a condition that is common that isn't easy to manage. Finding a reliable diagnosis can make a huge impact on your life. It is important to remember that ADHD does not mean you cannot lead a successful life.
You can receive an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist or another "appropriately-qualified healthcare professional" (Nice Guidelines). This includes psychologists.
Cost
You can pay for your personal ADHD assessment using a variety of different ways. The Psychiatry-UK website offers a monthly direct debit option and the payment can be made through private medical insurance (including Bupa and Aviva). Alternately, you can choose to fund your assessment on your own or prescription. NHS funding is available for adults ADHD assessments through the Right to Choose scheme, which permits patients to select any provider that is clinically appropriate, as long as the Integrated Care Board or NHS England has a contract with them.
You will be evaluated by psychiatrists or an ADHD nurse specialist who is trained to evaluate ADHD. According to the Nice guidelines, they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK that can diagnose ADHD.
During the assessment, you will be asked about your childhood and life in the past to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they impact on you. The assessment will take around 45 to 90 minutes.
If the doctor or nurse determines that you suffer from ADHD they will let you know and discuss your treatment options. There is no obligation to accept the diagnosis. If you disagree with the results, you can contact another medical professional to have your symptoms reassessed.
After private adhd assessments is completed the doctor will create an assessment report and then send it to you or your GP. This will include a description of your symptoms and the impact they have on you and an agreed upon holistic treatment plan. Your GP can then use this information to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Some GPs will sign a shared-care agreement with a private healthcare provider in order to provide medications through the NHS. This could save you money on the cost of your medication, since you only pay for the NHS prescription fee. However, some GPs do not agree to this, so it is important to check before booking an appointment.
The NHS will only prescribe ADHD medication to adults who have received an official diagnosis. If you're diagnosed as an adult with ADHD and you are responsible for paying for your own assessment and any medication.
Time to wait
According to a report by the charity ADHD Action, there is an 'waiting crisis' in the UK for ADHD assessments. The charity says that many adults are waiting for more than seven years to receive an assessment. The waiting time can cause anxiety and frustration for those with ADHD. The condition is believed to be affecting 1.5 million people living in the UK.
Some private companies provide ADHD tests that aren't recognized by the NHS. This means that you won't be able access any associated medications through the NHS. If you're considering an assessment privately for ADHD make sure that the psychiatrist is registered with the General Medical Council. Be aware that a condition that is diagnosed privately does not provide you with the same protections at work as a diagnosis that is accepted by the NHS.
While some private companies may have shorter wait times than the NHS but they aren't without problems. The BBC's investigation has revealed that some private providers use unreliable diagnostic methods and give incorrect diagnoses. This could have grave consequences for patients. GPs are concerned about the current arrangements for ADHD assessment and are seeking more ringfenced funding to enhance the service.
Despite the fact many GPs are overwhelmed with ADHD referrals, you must be aware that only a specialist is qualified to diagnose ADHD. More people are choosing to have their ADHD assessed by a private doctor. They can cut down on long waits for diagnosis and receive a more precise diagnosis and treatment plan.
A private ADHD assessment will usually involve a series sessions with a psychiatrist as well as a clinical nursing specialist. This could include an interview, observations and questionnaires. Answering these questions correctly and truthfully will allow the Psychiatrist to determine if or not you suffer from ADHD. The Psychiatrist will then write a report which you can give to your GP.
If the Psychiatrist recommends that you be prescribed medication, you will be required to sign a shared care agreement with your GP. You'll be required to pay the NHS prescription cost, but it will be your GP who will renew your prescription and decide on the next treatments. This isn't always an option, and some GPs may be reluctant to share their medical information with private patients.
Experience
If you're an adult with ADHD and are diagnosed, it can be a significant step forward in understanding your struggles and taking steps to tackle them. It is crucial to understand what you're facing and the reasons why it is difficult to be successful in your relationships, work and family life. Many people struggle to get diagnosed and it can be difficult to find a medical facility who will accept them.
Private providers can assist you in reducing the time it takes to wait and make an appointment with a qualified ADHD expert. The typical assessment takes 45 to 90 minutes and consist of an interview and discussion of your symptoms. You may be asked to give some examples from your past in order to aid the assessment process. During the appointment, your therapist will determine whether you are able to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
In addition to evaluating the symptoms of ADHD, private healthcare professionals will also take a look at your mental health history and any other medical conditions you might have. This will help them determine if you have other disorders which can affect ADHD. It is important to discuss these issues prior the appointment because they could affect your treatment.
Untreated ADHD can create problems in the workplace, in relationships, and with overall well-being. Untreated ADHD can lead to uncontrollable and inattentional behavior. Moreover it can cause depression, anxiety and other psychological issues. This is why it is crucial to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as you can.
Presently, many adults who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD face long wait times for NHS assessments. The NHS is swamped with referrals, which results in an overloaded system. In some cases, it can be up to one year before you're examined by an ADHD clinic. This can be frustrating especially for those who have struggled for a long time, not being aware of the root cause of their issues.
Some adults opt to undergo an individual ADHD evaluation. Private ADHD assessments can be expensive, but they can provide the answers that you need and the confidence that you are being treated by a trained professional. In addition, some private ADHD assessment companies offer an arrangement for shared care with GPs, which can mean that you pay for your medication through the NHS.
Reputation
There is a growing concern that some private businesses are systematically diagnosing adult ADHD with low quality assessments and unqualified staff. BBC Panorama recently highlighted this issue. Doctors are advised to refer patients who believe they might have ADHD to their specialist NHS Adult ADHD services. They should be aware that people may be misdiagnosed and given medication they do not need.
Psychiatrists and specialists ADHD nurses are the only people who can officially evaluate ADHD. Counsellors and other mental health professionals cannot diagnose ADHD. They can help identify the symptoms and provide assistance. If you choose to have a private ADHD assessment, make sure that the psychiatrist or the nurse is enrolled on the General Medical Council's specialist register. They must be able to prescribe medications that are only available after an official diagnosis of psychiatric illness is made.
A complete ADHD assessment requires a series of appointments, tests, and observations. If your doctor recommends an ADHD assessment, select an agency with an excellent reputation. A good provider will spend time to get to know you and the nuances of your life. The NHS website has a list approved providers.